Folk Bands and Artists
Khumariyaan
www.facebook.com/khumariyaan
Khumariyaan – meaning ‘intoxicators’ – are four musicians from Peshawar leading the charge to reclaim Pashtun musical traditions and instruments in mainstream culture.
Their fusion brand of instrumental Pashtun folk music has already gained them a popular following in Pakistan.
Built around the interaction between the rubab (a lute-like musical instrument) and the guitar, Khumariyaan’s music is a response to current social attitudes in Pakistan. Lead guitarist Sparlay Rawail has described it as ‘the music of the oppressed’.
The band´s moving, heady and intricate melodies have been described as ´trance-like’ and ‘addictive´.
Their best-loved songs include ‘Bela’ and ‘Tamasha’, which was named 2016 Song of the Year by a major Pakistani national newspaper, and a distinctive cover of the Game of Thrones theme tune.
Expect Pashtun crescendos and folk rock goosebumps.
